While several European clubs are monitoring his situation, Barcelona defender Hector Fort has made his priorities clear ahead of the new season.
The academy talent is fully focused on earning a place in Hansi Flick’s squad and has decided to put all transfer discussions on hold until he gets an opportunity to prove himself during preseason.
According to Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, the young full-back has attracted interest from some of Europe’s most respected clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite those opportunities, though, Fort’s objective is to convince Flick that he deserves a role at Barcelona.
Ready for a decisive pre-season
After spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Elche, the defender now faces what could be the most important summer of his career.
Fort has been included in the group selected by Flick to begin pre-season preparations on July 13, giving him a valuable opportunity to showcase his progress directly to the German coach.
The defender is expected to participate throughout Barcelona’s summer preparations, including the training camp scheduled to take place at St George’s Park in England between July 27 and August 3.
Hector Fort, Elche star and Barcelona loanee
Hector Fort wants to impress Hansi Flick. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
With many international players returning later due to their commitments at the World Cup, several academy graduates and returning loanees will have an opportunity to impress.
For Fort, this period could determine whether he remains at Barcelona for the upcoming campaign or seeks further development elsewhere.
With the final decision resting on Flick’s shoulders, the homegrown defender will want to make the most of the opportunity.
Competition for places at Barcelona
Despite his determination, it must be noted that breaking into Barcelona’s first-team squad will not be straightforward for Fort.
The right-back position is already well covered, with Jules Kounde expected to remain the first-choice option.
Eric Garcia has also proven capable of operating in the role, while Ronald Araujo provides another alternative when tactical adjustments are needed.
In addition, highly-rated academy prospect Xavi Espart is also competing for opportunities within the same position, increasing the level of competition even further.
Hector Fort of Elche
Fort will do the pre-season under Flick. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Nevertheless, Fort has no intention of giving up without a fight.
In fact, his ambition is not just to be part of the squad but to establish himself at the club he supported throughout his life.
Significant interest
Interestingly, if Flick ultimately decides that regular first-team opportunities will be difficult to guarantee, Fort is unlikely to struggle for alternatives.
On that note, Inter Milan have maintained their interest since last season and continue to monitor developments.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also keeping a close watch on the situation in Germany.
However, rather than rushing towards an exit, Fort wants his future to be decided by what happens on the pitch during pre-season, and only after receiving Flick’s verdict will he consider other possibilities.